# Components:
→ Vegetables
01 - 4 large bell peppers, tops removed and seeds discarded
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Meat
04 - 1 lb lean ground beef
→ Sauce and Seasonings
05 - 1 cup tomato sauce
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
09 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
11 - 1/2 tsp salt
12 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Other
13 - 1 tbsp olive oil
14 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
15 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
# Method:
01 - Set oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
02 - Place the prepared bell peppers upright in a baking dish.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, approximately 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
04 - Add ground beef to the skillet. Break into smaller pieces and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
05 - Incorporate tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer mixture for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
06 - Spoon the meat mixture evenly into each bell pepper cavity.
07 - Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
08 - Remove foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese atop each pepper if using, and bake uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes until cheese melts and peppers are tender.
09 - Optionally garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm.
